Union backs Butler and Seward

Friday

Oct 29, 2010 at 12:01 AMOct 29, 2010 at 6:54 AM

Local No. 717 of the United Mine Workers Association, which represents almost 800 workers at Remington Arms in Ilion, announced their endorsement of state Senator James L. Seward, R,C,I - Oneonta, and Assemblyman Marc Butler, R,C,I - Newport, in their campaigns for re-election.

Local No. 717 of the United Mine Workers Association, which represents almost 800 workers at Remington Arms in Ilion, announced their endorsement of state Senator James L. Seward, R,C,I - Oneonta, and Assemblyman Marc Butler, R,C,I - Newport, in their campaigns for re-election.
“Union members appreciate the work Senator Seward and Assemblyman Butler have done to help create jobs at Remington Arms and to defeat anti-gun bills that would threaten the plant’s future,” said UMWA Local No. 717 President Frank “Rusty” Brown.
“I am pleased to accept the endorsement from the United Mine Workers,” said Seward. “The Remington Arms workforce is made up of dedicated and talented individuals and I am proud to count them as constituents. I will continue to support expansion at the Ilion plant while at the same time protecting our Second Amendment rights so law abiding sportsmen can enjoy a real made in New York product – a Remington.”
“Remington Arms and the United Mine Workers are the backbone of the Mohawk Valley economy,” said Butler. “I will continue to have their back in Albany and am proud to know they have mine here at home.”
In 2010, Seward and Butler won approval for legislation which clears the way for weapon manufacturers, including Remington Arms, to produce and repair firearm silencers for law enforcement and military agencies, boosting the local economy and creating new job opportunities.
The legislators also helped secure $1.5 million in grants from the Empire State Development Corporation, part of a $5.9 million package to be used toward building improvements, equipment and machinery investments over the next two years translating to 100 new jobs in Herkimer County.
Seward also fought successfully to derail legislation known as the “firearms microstamping” bill. The bill would have forced hefty new expenses on firearms manufacturers like Remington Arms and would have cost over 50 jobs at the Ilion plant.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.